Optimal reactors for highly efficient processes

The research of the “Catalytic Reactors and Process Technology” group (Prof. Freund) aims at the development of energy and resource efficient chemical processes with a special focus on the model-based design of optimal catalytic reactors. In a comprehensive approach innovative process-, reactor- and material concepts are considered, which includes the evaluation of different process intensification options. For this, an interdisciplinary, method- and model-based approach is essential. Supporting target-oriented key experiments are carried out for phenomenological elucidation, data retrieval and model validation. The combination of powerful simulation tools (incl. scientific high performance computing) at different scales and at different times during the design process allows for linking the process-, reactor- and material design. That way it is possible to identify tailor-made solutions based on rigorous model-based optimization.

The spectrum of funded projects ranges from long term fundamental research (e.g. funded by the German Research Foundation, DFG) to short and middle term application driven industry projects. The work is carried out in both larger research clusters (e.g. Cluster of Excellence “Engineering of Advanced Materials” (EAM), Helmholtz-Energy-Alliance “Energy efficient chemical multiphase processes”) as well as in bilateral projects (e.g. EU Marie Curie Initial Training Networks (ITN)) in cooperation with national as well as international partners from academia and industry.